Wawrinka Wallops Ferrer for Portugal Open Title

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Wawrinka Wallops Ferrer for Portugal Open Title

By Chris Oddo

(May 5, 2013) -- Simply put, Stan Wawrinka was unstoppable.

The Swiss No. 2 won his fourth career title with a command performance against David Ferrer at the Portugal Open in Oeiras, 6-1, 6-4, and in the process he announced himself as a dark horse candidate for this year's French Open.

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Wawrinka, who had won only three of ten previous matches against the World No. 4, and only one of six on clay, lost only six points on serve and did not face a break point.

Wawrinka’s 20th win of the season also avenges a loss in the Buenos Aires final to Ferrer. It was the World No. 16’s first title in over two years, and his first over a top ten opponent in an ATP final.

The Swiss cracked 20 winners against 17 unforced errors on the day, while Ferrer committed 31 unforced errors to go with 11 winners.

Wawrinka converted on two of eight break point chances to take the first set 6-1, but the second set hung in the balance until Wawrinka broke the Spaniard at 30 to move ahead 5-4.

Serving for the title, Wawrinka held to love and headed to the net for a friendly exchange with his rival.

“Stan played a great match," said Ferrer. "I was never close to winning, but I felt better the longer it went on with my shots. Stan played pretty well from baseline and he had a good percentage of first services. He surpassed me in everything.”

Ferrer, who was bidding for his 21st ATP title and 11th on clay, still leads the ATP Tour with 28 wins on the season.

(Photo Credit: AP)